The Strong Relationship Between Posture and Pain: Loss of Dorsiflexion and Flat Feet

 

The Strong Relationship Between Posture and Pain: Loss of Dorsiflexion and Flat Feet Research Supports: Loss of Dorsiflexion: Studies have correlated decreased dorsiflexion, alteration in lower extremity alignment, altered muscle recruitment during functional tasks, and pain/injury of the lower extremity, sacroiliac joint and low back. Feet Flatten: Increased pronation has been associated with injuries ranging from medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) to tibias posterior tendinitis, Achilles bursitis or tendinitis, patellofemoral disorders, iliotibial friction syndrome, and lower extremity stress fracture.

Correlated Impairments: Overhead Squat Assessment: Feet flatten Feet turn-out Knees bow-in Knees bow-out Asymmetrical weight shift Range of Motion: Loss of dorsiflexion Fascial Dysfunction: - Thickening, histochemical changes, decrease in tensile strength, addition of disordered collagen fibers, and decrease in shear. Plantar fascia Crural fascia Arthrokinematic Dysfunction: Tibiotalar Joint: Inadequate posterior glide of the talus on the tibia Distal Tibiofibular Joint: Inadequate posterior glide of the lateral malleolus on the tibia or hyper-mobility Proximal Tibiofibular Joint: Inadequate anterior glide of the fibular head on the tibia or hyper-mobility

Short/Over-Active: (Release and Lengthen) Plantar Flexors: Gastrocnemius Soleus Fibularis muscle Evertors: Fibularis muscle Long/Over-Active: (Release Only) Synergists of Dorsiflexion and Inversion: Flexor digitorum longus Flexor hallucis longus Extensor hallucis longus Extensor digitorum longus Long/Under-Active: (Activate) Invertors: Tibialis posterior Tibialis anterior Dorsiflexor: Tibialias anterior Midfoot Plantar Flexors: Short toe flexors